2007 Preview

Enjoying games in person: a fan's guide

By EDUARDO A. ENCINA, Times Staff Writer
Published October 4, 2007

We asked Lightning fans for tips on having the best game-day experience. Some of their responses and some from Times staff writer Eduardo A. Encina.

Best seat in the house

Tickets can be pricey, but you don't need to drop hundreds for a great spot. From the first five rows of the north side upper deck ($30), you see plays develop while not losing sight of battles in the corners. Also, the Lightning attacks the goal in front of you during the first and third periods. It can get raucous up there, which is a plus because you won't be subject to the wine-and-cheese crowd below that simply wants to go to a game. You'll be around some of the truest Lightning fans.

Parking

Finding a good spot can easily become a nightmare. If you arrive early, the $10 lots below the Crosstown Expressway are close and cheap. If you're running late and want to veer away from a 10-minutes-before-faceoff headache, try the garages at Channelside, Fort Brooke and Harbour Island. Take a short walk ... and get there early next time!!!!!!

Postgame hangouts

Right outside the west entrances is the ever-popular Shots, a bar where you can hang outside, enjoy Florida in the winter and moan about the Lightning's penalty kill. Andreychuk's, just north of the arena, is a fan favorite, especially if you crave being around the diehards. Newk's is still a cool place to chill after a game. And on weekends, head to Hattrick's to watch the West Coast games.

Autographs

On game days, stake out the players lot on the east side of the arena. Players are generally willing to sign even if it is from behind the wheel of their Beemer. And most players, including the stars, will stop and even pose for pictures. It might not be as easy after a tough loss, though. If that fails, try snagging them coming off the ice at practice at the Brandon Ice Sports Forum.

Concessions

It depends on your palate. The smoothies from the Maui Wowi stand provide for the cool tooth, the warm cookies at Phat Joe's the sweet tooth. And the Italian sausages receive good reviews. The arena also offers unique Tampa fare (Cuban sandwiches, devil crabs). But the most popular stand is always the Outback Steakhouse on the east side of the 100 level. We prefer the Steak and 'Shrooms for $8.50. It's worth the 15-minute wait.

Scoreboards

Besides the one above the ice, new display boards around the seating bowl offer much more information than previous ones.

Miscellaneous

The best promotion is the birthday goal. One fan is chosen, and if the Lightning scores when their birthday is on the clock (Nov. 14 would be 11:14 remaining) the fan wins $1-million. It's another reason to root against the Devils' Martin Brodeur, who made a save at the exact moment last season. The biggest complaint is the deafening music during intermissions and breaks in play. So bring ear plugs and head to the concourse for conversations.

Looking for more tips? Have one you'd like to share with your fellow fans? Visit lightning.tampabay.com.

[Last modified October 3, 2007, 16:14:02]